Cosmetic organization systems and methods

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems for organizing cosmetics are disclosed. One cosmetic case system includes a body having a series of compartments that lock cosmetic containers into the compartment for ease of storage and use. The compartments include ridges that aid in locking the cosmetic containers into the compartments. Several of these cosmetic case bodies can be alternatively stacked so that storage capacity is increased. The cosmetic case can include a mirror on a surface of the body. The case can also include a hinged surface for additional storage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] I. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field ofcosmetics, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for holdingand storing cosmetics.

[0003] II. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Cosmetics (“make-up”) are commonplace in modern society.Cosmetics are used socially by both men and women for aesthetic andpractical purposes. Furthermore, cosmetics are used extensively in theperforming arts such as theater, film and commercials. Cosmetics aremarketed in varying packages and containers and often require the userto store them in bags, purses, make-up kits and the like. Often timesthe storage of the cosmetics can be burdensome and awkward. Peopletypically have to carry several cosmetics either in their existing bagsor special purpose cosmetic bags.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In accordance with the present invention and the contemplatedproblems which have and continue to exist in this field, the inventionfeatures methods and systems for holding and storing cosmetic containersin an organized manner.

[0006] In general in one aspect, the invention features a cosmetic case,including a body having an upper surface and a substantially continuousside surface substantially perpendicular to the upper surface and atleast one compartment located within the body, the compartment includingan opening in the upper surface and an opening in the side surface.

[0007] In an implementation, the compartment further includes at leastone side wall substantially perpendicular to the upper surface and aridge perpendicular to the at least one side wall and substantiallyparallel to the upper surface.

[0008] In another implementation, the case cosmetic case includes atleast one slit in the upper surface substantially parallel and adjacentthe ridge.

[0009] In another aspect, the invention features a case including asubstantially hollow body having an upper surface defined in an upperplane, a lower surface defined in a lower plane and a plurality of sidesurfaces and at least one compartment located between the upper andlower surfaces, the compartment having an opening on the upper surfaceand an opening on at least one of the plurality of side surfaces, abottom surface located substantially in the lower plane, at least oneside wall substantially perpendicular to the upper surface, and a ridgeoriented substantially perpendicular to the side wall and substantiallyparallel to the upper and lower planes.

[0010] In an implementation, the case includes a slit in the uppersurface and adjacent to the ridge.

[0011] In another implementation, the case includes at least one maleconnector or female connector located on the upper surface

[0012] In another implementation, the case includes a mirror located inthe upper surface.

[0013] In another implementation, the case includes a removable surfacelocated substantially in the lower plane and substantially perpendicularto the upper surface and a mirror located on the removable surface.

[0014] In yet another implementation, the case includes a cosmeticcontainer held within the compartment.

[0015] In still another aspect, the invention features a cosmetic kit,including at least one cosmetic case including a body having an uppersurface and a substantially continuous side surface substantiallyperpendicular to the upper surface and at least one compartment locatedwithin the body, the compartment including an opening in the uppersurface and an opening in the side surface, at least one cosmeticcontainer included in the at least one compartment and a cosmeticlocated in the cosmetic container.

[0016] One advantage of the apparatus is that many cosmetic containerscan be held in a compact and organized case.

[0017] Another advantage is that several cases can be stacked on oneanother so that a large number of cosmetic containers can be carriedtogether.

[0018] Another advantage is that the invention provides standard sizedand shaped cosmetic containers that fit into a standardized case.

[0019] Other objects, advantages and capabilities of the invention willbecome apparent from the following description taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings showing the preferred embodiment of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020]FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a cosmetic casehaving three compartments occupied by cosmetic containers;

[0021]FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom view of an embodiment of a cosmeticcase having three compartments;

[0022]FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of anindividual cosmetic case compartment;

[0023]FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of three stackedcosmetic cases;

[0024]FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of an alternate embodiment of acosmetic case;

[0025]FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of another embodiment of a cosmeticcase;

[0026]FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a cosmetic case having anhinged cover;

[0027]FIG. 8A illustrates an alternative embodiment of a cosmetic case;

[0028]FIG. 8B illustrates an alternative embodiment of a cosmetic case;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Referring to the drawings wherein like reference numeralsdesignate corresponding parts throughout the several figures, referenceis made first to FIG. 1 which illustrates a top view of an embodiment ofa cosmetic case 100 having three compartments 105 occupied by cosmeticcontainers 110. The case 100 includes a main body 115, which isgenerally manufactured from a rigid material. In another embodiment, thebody 115 can also be comprising of other flexible materials. The body115 can be defined between two parallel planes that are described indetail below. One of the planes defines an upper surface 135 of the body115, and one of the planes defines the lower portion (not shown) of thebody 115.

[0030] The body 115 includes several compartments 105 located within thebody 115. The compartments 105 are oriented generally between the twoparallel planes (described below). The compartments 105 are alsogenerally arranged radially from a geometric center 116 of the body 115.Each of the compartments 105 includes ridges 120 on each of the sides ofthe compartments 105 that protrude generally into the interior of thecompartments 105 and parallel with the surface 135. The body 115 alsoincludes a series of slits 125 adjacent to the ridges 120. The slits 125also run generally parallel with the radial direction of thecompartments 105. The compartments 105 can include a hole 140 located onthe bottom portion of the compartments 105. The compartments can alsoinclude a side opening 124.

[0031] The body 115 further includes several male connectors 130arranged substantially perpendicular with an upper portion of a surface135 of the body 115. In another embodiment, the male connectors 130 arereplaced by female connectors (described below).

[0032] The cosmetic case 100 can be used to hold several cosmeticcontainers 110 within the compartments 105. In an embodiment, thecosmetic containers 110 are arranged radially outward from the geometriccenter 116. This arrangement allows a user of the case 100 to haveseveral cosmetic containers 110 in a single case allowing accessibilityto the cosmetic containers 110. The radial arrangement allows for easyaccessibility. In other embodiments, the compartments 105 can bearranged in other configurations deviating from the radial arrangement.The cosmetic containers 110 and the compartments 105 can be standardizedso that several different cosmetics manufacturers can bottle theirproducts sell them in the cosmetics case 100. The cosmetic containers110 can contain any type of cosmetic. The containers 110 illustrates aretypical of the type of container that may be used for nail polish. Thecontainer cap can be screwed or pulled off to expose a brush or similarapplicator. It is understood that any type of cosmetic and applicatorcan be included in the container.

[0033] The cosmetic case 100 can optionally include a mirror 145connected to the upper surface 135.

[0034]FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom view of an embodiment of a cosmeticcase 200 (of FIG. 1) having three compartments 205. The case 200includes a body 215. The compartments 205 are arranged in a similarmanner as described with respect to FIG. 1, that is radially outwardfrom a geometric center 216 of the body 215. The body 215 also includesan upper surface 235. In this view, the lower portion of the uppersurface 235 (135 in FIG. 1) is shown. Furthermore, it is shown thatthere is no lower surface, that is, the body 215 is generally hollow andthe compartments 205 are formed within the hollow body 215. A wall 226is generally formed around the perimeter of the body 215. In anotherembodiment, the body 215 can include a lower surface and the body caneither be hollow or solid, except for the compartments 205, whichgenerally remain hollow in order to fit cosmetic containers (not shown).The compartments 205 include side openings 224, in which a ridge 220(ridge 120 in FIG. 1) can be viewed. Slits 225 (slits 125 in FIG. 1) aregenerally adjacent the ridges 220. The compartments 205 can also includea hole 240. The bottom portions 206 of the compartments 205 are shown inthis view. The wall 226 has a bottom portion 227 that is flush with thebottom portions 206 of the compartments 205. In this way, (as isdescribed in more detail below), when the case 200 is laid on a flatsurface, both the lower portions 227 of the wall 226 and the lowerportions 206 of the compartments 205 are in contact with that flatsurface.

[0035] Female connectors 230 are included in the wall 226. The femaleconnectors 230 are generally arranged opposite the male connectors (notshown) as described in FIG. 1. When the case 200 is laid on a flatsurface as described above, the female connectors 230 lay with the flatsurface. As described in greater detail below, the female connectors canbe connected with male connectors of another cosmetic case so that thecases can be stacked. In this way, when the cases are stacked, the lowerportions of the walls of cases as well as the lower portions 206 of thecompartments 205 lay flush with the upper surface of a respective case.

[0036] In another embodiment, the female connectors 230 can be maleconnectors. If the male connectors are formed into the wall 226, thenwhen the case is laid on a flat surface as described above, the maleconnectors are in contact with the flat surface and the bottom portions227 of the wall 226 and the bottom portions 206 of the compartments 205are generally parallel with the flat surface.

[0037] The body 215 can also include a center hole 250 formed about thegeometric center 216 of the body. The hole 250 can be used to hang thecase on a display or the like.

[0038]FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of anindividual cosmetic case compartment 300. The compartment 300 is formedin the body 315 of the cosmetic case, the body having a substantiallycontinuous wall 326. Only a portion of the body 315 is shown. The body315 includes an upper surface 335. The compartment 300 includes a sidewall 301 (an opposite side also exists but is not shown), a back wall302 and a floor 303 that includes a hole 340. The side walls 304 includeopenings 324, which are also part of the floor 303. A ridge 320 is alsoincluded in each compartment above the openings 324. The ridge 320 isgenerally perpendicular to the side walls 304, and substantiallyparallel to the upper surface 335. The ridge 320 is illustrated ashaving a triangular cross section such that a line drawn from the baseof the triangle to its apex is parallel to the upper surface. The ridge320 can be other geometric shapes such as a half circle. However, as isdiscussed below, whatever the geometric cross section, it is desirablethat the ridge 320 allows a container to slide along the ridge 320.

[0039] The body 315 includes a slit 325 (as described above) adjacent tothe ridge 320. The compartment 300 further includes an additional frontopening 304. The front opening 304 typically allows cosmetic containers(not shown) to protrude from the compartment 300 for easy access to thecontainer. In addition to being part of the compartment 300 the opening304 is also an integral part of the wall 326.

[0040]FIG. 3 also illustrates a partial view of an optional mirror 345that is typically located on the surface 335. The body 315 also includesa column 350 connected to the wall 326. The column 350 typicallyincludes a male connector 331 and an oppositely oriented femaleconnector 330. The male connector 331 is shown on the bottom portion ofthe column 350 and the female connector 330 is shown on the top portionof the column 350. In another embodiment, the male connector 331 is onthe top portion of the column 350 and the female connector is on thebottom portion of the column 350. In yet another implementation, thebody 315 does not include the column 350, the male connector 331 or thefemale connector 330. As further discussed below, the presence of themale/female connectors is to aid in stacking several cases.

[0041]FIG. 3 also illustrates two substantially parallel planes 360,370. The compartment 300 is generally formed between the two planes 360,370. The surface 335 is generally formed in the upper plane 360. Thefloor 303 of the compartment 300 is generally formed in the lower plane370. The planes 360, 370 are added to the figure for illustrativepurposes only.

[0042]FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of three stackedcosmetic cases 400. A first case 401 is stacked on a second case 402that is stacked on a third case 403. As described above, each of thecases 401, 402,403 includes male connectors and female connectors thatcan be interconnected to allow many cases to be stacked. The third case403 is shown with three male connectors 430 protruding the bottom of thecase 403. Several cosmetic container 410 are shown protruding from thecases 401, 402, 403.

[0043]FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of an alternate embodiment of acosmetic case 500. The case 500 includes a body 515 having severalcompartments 505. The body 515 also includes ridges 520 protruding intothe compartments, and slits 525 adjacent to the ridges 520. Each of thecompartments 505 includes a cosmetic container 510. An upper surface 535of the body 515 can optionally include a mirror 545. The body alsoincludes male/female connectors 530.

[0044]FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of another embodiment of a cosmeticcase 600. The case 600 includes a body 615 having several compartments605. The body 615 also includes ridges 620 protruding into thecompartments, and slits 625 adjacent to the ridges 620. Each of thecompartments 605 includes a cosmetic container 610. An upper surface 635of the body 615 can optionally include a mirror 645. The body alsoincludes male/female connectors 630.

Operation of an Embodiment of a Cosmetic Case

[0045] Referring again to FIG. 1, the cosmetic case 100 is generally astatic apparatus, although during operation there is some dynamic motionin the case. The cosmetic containers 110 remain securely affixed in therespective compartments 105. A user can retrieve the case 100 from theuser's bag (or other similar carrying apparatus such as a purse,backpack and the like) and access any of the containers 110 when theuser desires to use cosmetics. The cap or caps can be removed from thedesired containers 110 and the cosmetic can be used in ordinary make-upapplication routines.

[0046] In an implementation, the use may desire to remove one or more ofthe containers 110 for a variety of reasons ranging from replacement ofthe container 110 when the container 110 is empty to a change in desireof the type of container 110 that the user wants to carry in the case100. In this situation, the user can remove the container 110 from thecase 100 in a variety of ways. The case 100 allows for a secureaffixation of the containers 110 in the case 100 but also allows forease of removal of the containers 110.

[0047] In one implementation, the user can lift the container 110 out ofthe case 100 by pulling the container 110 in a direction generallytoward the surface 135. The user can alternatively twist the container110 within the compartment 105. The twisting motion is generally aboutthe radial direction away from the geometric center 116 of the case 100.It is understood that the desired result is to remove the container 110from the compartment 105, therefore other motions are possible andcontemplated. Regardless of the type of motion chosen by the user, themotions cause the container 110 to push against the ridges 120.Normally, forces on the ridges 120 from the container 110 from normaluse (that is, movements in the user's bag and use of the containeritself) do not shake the container 110 from the hold of the ridges 120in the compartment 105. However, when the user applies a greater forcein the motions described, the ridges 120 begin to displace away from thecontainer 110. The slits 125 that lie adjacent the ridges 120 allow thisdisplacement to occur (the openings 224 in FIG. 2 and 324 in FIG. 3 alsoallow the displacement to occur). Therefore, as the container 110presses against the ridges 120, the slits 125 (and openings 224, 324)are deformed as to accommodate the movement of the ridges 120. Thecontainer 110 is then typically released from the compartment 105. Atthis time, the ridges 120 typically move back to their original positionand the slits 125 also reform to their original shape.

[0048] As discussed above with respect to FIG. 3, the cross section ofthe ridge should be of such a geometric shape that allows the containerto slide past the ridge. A triangular cross section, as illustrated inthe figures above, allows the container to slide past the ridge. Acircular cross section is also suitable. Other suitable cross sectionsare contemplated.

[0049] Referring again to FIG. 4, several cases can be stacked byinterconnecting the respective male and female connectors allowing theuser to double triple quadruple etc. the storage capacity of the casessimply by connecting another case.

[0050] A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, iswill be understood that various modifications may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. Several examplesare now illustrated.

[0051]FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a cosmetic case 700 having anhinged cover 705. In this embodiment the hinged cover 705 can include aninterior mirror 710 so that the case can act as a typical compact. Inthis embodiment the hollow interior 715 of the case 700 can be used foradditional storage for smaller items, either related to cosmetics orother objects that the user desires to store. When the hinged cover 705is closed, the case 705 can be stacked with other cases as describedabove using male/female connectors 730.

[0052]FIG. 8A illustrates an alternative embodiment of a cosmetic case800. As described above, the embodiments described can contain any typeof container a containing any type of cosmetic with any type ofapplicator. In this embodiment, the compartments 805 have been narrowedand a narrow container 810 has been included. The container in thisembodiment can be a lipstick container.

[0053]FIG. 8B illustrates an alternative embodiment of a cosmetic case850. Similar to FIG. 8A, the compartment 806 has been narrowed and anarrow container 820 has been included. In this embodiment, thecontainer can be an eyeliner.

[0054] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only ofthe principles of the invention. Further, various modifications may bemade of the invention without departing from the scope thereof and it isdesired, therefore, that only such limitations shall be placed thereonas are imposed by the prior art and which are set forth in the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cosmetic case, comprising, a body having anupper surface and a substantially continuous side surface substantiallyperpendicular to the upper surface, and at least one compartment locatedwithin the body, the compartment including an opening in the uppersurface and an opening in the side surface.
 2. The cosmetic case asclaimed in claim I wherein the compartment further comprises at leastone side wall substantially perpendicular to the upper surface, and aridge perpendicular to the at least one side wall and substantiallyparallel to the upper surface.
 3. The case cosmetic case as claimed inclaim 2 further comprising at least one slit in the upper surfacesubstantially parallel and adjacent the ridge.
 4. A case, comprising: asubstantially hollow body having an upper surface defined in an upperplane, a lower surface defined in a lower plane and a plurality of sidesurfaces, and at least one compartment located between the upper andlower surfaces, the compartment having an opening on the upper surfaceand an opening on at least one of the plurality of side surfaces, abottom surface located substantially in the lower plane, at least oneside wall substantially perpendicular to the upper surface, and a ridgeoriented substantially perpendicular to the side wall and substantiallyparallel to the upper and lower planes.
 5. The case as claimed in claim4 further comprising a slit in the upper surface and adjacent to theridge.
 6. The case as claimed in claim 4 further comprising at least onemale connector located on the upper surface.
 7. The case as claimed inclaim 4 further comprising at least one female connector located on theupper surface.
 8. The case as claimed in claim 4 further comprising amirror located in the upper surface.
 9. The case as claimed in claim 4further comprising a removable surface located substantially in thelower plane and substantially perpendicular to the upper surface. 10.The case as claimed in claim 9 further comprising a mirror located onthe removable surface.
 11. The case as claimed in claim 4 furthercomprising a cosmetic container held within the compartment.
 12. Acosmetic kit, comprising: at least one cosmetic case comprising, a bodyhaving an upper surface and a substantially continuous side surfacesubstantially perpendicular to the upper surface, at least onecompartment located within the body, the compartment including anopening in the upper surface and an opening in the side surface, atleast one cosmetic container included in the at least one compartment,and a cosmetic located in the cosmetic container.